During repair work on a damaged underwater cable, a significant and previously unknown area of dumped ammunition from World War II was discovered in the Herjangsfjord near Narvik. The find was made by the vessel 'Fjordkabel', which revealed that the ammunition is spread over a seven-kilometer area. This discovery adds to the historical understanding of the impact and remnants of WWII in the region, as such findings can often reveal not just military history but also raise concerns about environmental safety and maritime hazards.

The Norwegian Armed Forces has confirmed that the ammunition consists of unarmed artillery shells. They have assessed that the munitions do not pose a direct threat to the cable being repaired or to other nearby maritime operations. However, the authorities have noted that they lack the resources necessary to remove the ammunition from the seabed, which highlights ongoing concerns about maritime safety and the challenges of managing historical military waste in Norwegian waters.

This discovery may prompt further investigations into unexploded ordnance in Norway’s waters, particularly in areas significantly affected by the war. It underscores the importance of thorough inspections and ongoing monitoring of underwater sites for both historical and safety reasons, as well as the need for support and resources to properly address such findings in an environmentally responsible manner.